As Jack Campbell enters his third NFL season, he is becoming a central figure in the Detroit Lions defense. Playing as the MIKE linebacker in the middle of the field, Campbell has taken on the role of a defensive field general, tasked with relaying play-calls from defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard during games. His impact was evident last season when he led the Lions with 131 total tackles, reflecting steady on-field growth aligned with his leadership responsibilities.
Mental Growth and Leadership Role Under Defensive Coordination
Campbell’s development extends beyond physical performance; his mental understanding of the game continues to advance. Head coach Dan Campbell highlighted his impressive football intelligence and growth, noting how Campbell’s grasp of the defensive scheme has deepened under the guidance of both former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and current coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. This intelligence forms a key reason why Campbell is trusted with expanded responsibilities on defense for the upcoming season.
“He was one of these guys that was a little bit ahead of everything mentally and now to see where his growth is, it’s impressive,”
Dan Campbell expressed.
“He’s done an outstanding job. He’s got a good feel of the game, he understands the game, he knows what we’re trying to do defensively, he did with (former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) AG and even more so now with Shep.”
Expanded Defensive Duties for Campbell and Teammates
Building on his football IQ, Campbell, along with fellow linebacker Alex Anzalone, will receive increased flexibility to adjust plays and adapt to offensive strategies. Dan Campbell emphasized the importance of Campbell’s study habits, both in analyzing opponents and his own offense, which enables him to identify key tendencies and improve the overall defense. This strategic advantage was a primary reason the Lions drafted Campbell, targeting a linebacker who combines athleticism with cerebral skill.
“We’re going to give him a lot more, he and Alex (Anzalone) both,”
Dan Campbell said.
“A lot more flexibility to get us into the play because he also studies. He studies the opponent, he’s studying our offense and he’s trying to get any little key that he can and that just makes us better.”
“So, he’s, look, it’s one of the reasons we drafted him, is for that. Some of these teams that have this – some of these MIKE linebackers you think of that, man, they’re running, hitting and smart as a whip and that’s why we like Jack.”
Intense Practice Matchups with Jared Goff Sharpening Defensive Skills
Campbell’s growth is sharpened daily through intense practice contests with quarterback Jared Goff, whose veteran presence and intellectual approach challenge the defense consistently. These one-on-one battles have become a form of strategic chess in Allen Park, as both sides make continuous adjustments in pursuit of an advantage. Such competitive exchanges not only enhance individual skills but also elevate the performances of the entire offense and defense.
Dan Campbell described these sessions as engaging and beneficial.
“You watch both sides go back and forth and then if something happens day one, whether it didn’t happen at the end of practice, you figured it out and were able to answer back, it’s going to happen in the afternoon practice or the next day’s practice where somebody’s going to adjust. Defense got you, offense has got to adjust, so it is good.”
Elevating Team Performance Through Continual Competition
This daily back-and-forth dynamic raises the overall level of play, helping eliminate weaknesses across the team. The continuous competition makes both sides better by consistently raising the standard of play in practice sessions, which translates into improved performance in games.
“And then, I’ve said this before, that’s how you get better. You just continue to raise the floor. Everybody gets better and better and better,”
Dan Campbell remarked.
“And then, pretty soon when you do enough of it, your weaknesses begin to go away on both sides of the ball.”
Campbell Benefiting from Veteran Wisdom and Offensive Teammates
Campbell’s progress also comes from the opportunity to learn directly from Jared Goff’s experience and insight. The linebacker values these exchanges where Goff explains his thought process and decision-making, deepening Campbell’s understanding of offensive strategies and helping him anticipate plays with greater accuracy.
“He’s seen a lot of football, and he’s played at a really high level. He’s one heck of a player,”
Campbell said of Goff.
“So, it’s fun to get to go up against him and then ask what he was seeing, what he was thinking and then him to come over to me and then ask who pressured on that play. Just to kind of figure out why he’s making this throw here, why is he not making that throw there. So, it’s been fun, but he’s just one heck of a competitor and a great leader.”
Beyond Goff, Campbell takes advantage of going head-to-head with key offensive players including tight end Sam LaPorta and running back David Montgomery. He regards LaPorta as
one of the best route-running tight ends in the NFL.
Facing these high-caliber teammates daily pushes Campbell to improve continually.
“I might get beat, I might win, it don’t matter,”
Campbell shared about competing with LaPorta.
“I feel like the biggest improvement I see in myself is when I do things I don’t want to do and I go up against people who are going to push me to be better. And I feel like Sam does that, David Montgomery does that, the whole offense does it. And again, that’s for me, when I go back and I fail, learn from it and when I’m successful, it don’t really matter.”
Impact of Intra-Team Rivalry on the Lions’ 2025 Defense
Jack Campbell’s intellectual approach combined with challenging, competitive practice environments is shaping the Detroit Lions’ defense into a more adaptive and resilient unit. His role as a defensive leader, enhanced by his ability to analyze and respond to offensive tactics on the fly, positions him as an integral player for the Lions’ 2025 campaign. These intra-team battles not only develop Campbell individually but also elevate the entire defense’s capacity to handle complex offenses throughout the NFL.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Jack Campbell?
A. On July 1, 2024, Campbell agreed to a one-year deal worth $775,000 with the Detroit Red Wings. The day before, the Oilers put him on unconditional waivers to buy out his contract.